Guide to controlling odours and infection in Care Homes

Are odours a problem?

Bad smells are often a result of bacteria, nature’s warning sign. If a foodstuff has a foul odour, then we know instinctively it’s not safe, in the same way unpleasant odours in a care home can indicate an unhealthy environment. Care homes with odours are at an increased risk of exposing residents, visitors and staff to illness, so it’s essential to take action.

Aside from the potential increase in illness, a bad odour in any environment asks a lot of questions; Where is that smell coming from? Who fault is it? Who is dealing with it? Why has it been allowed? Is it due to poor cleaning? Is it a sign of poor standards? Or poor management?

Any odours are instantly noticeable to visitors in Care Homes. Staff and residents become acclimatized to the environment and it can make it harder to quickly identify and eliminate the source of any bad smells.

Families choosing a care home are not going to select a home with strong odours if they have any other option. “Are there any unpleasant smells?” is on the Alzheimer’s Society first impressions checklist as a sign of how a home is run.

Regulation 15 of the Health and Social Care Act regulations specifically relate to cleanliness. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) state that “Premises and equipment should be visibly clean and free from odours that are offensive or unpleasant”, so any such issues will result in an inadequate rating and even further measures. Well run Outstanding rated homes will address any odours as a priority to ensure they maintain their reputation, remain at full capacity and maximise the income from every bed.

Why odours challenges exist?

Certain odours will always be a challenge, whilst good cleaning practices are an obvious requirement it’s often not understood how bacteria spreads and how quickly it replicates.

Continence issues are a well-known source of odours in care, but use of commodes and standard toilet facilities will all contribute. Challenges with personal hygiene increase body odours. Aromas from food can be very pleasant to begin with, but quickly add to stale odours in certain homes. Illness/vomit as well as infected wounds can all be sources. With many people in a relatively limited space odours can quickly build up if not managed correctly.

Source info:
Alzheimers society
Selecting and moving into a care home | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
690 Selecting and moving into a care home (alzheimers.org.uk)
CQC Care Quality Commission
Regulation 15: Premises and equipment - Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk)

Why can’t traditional cleaning methods control bacteria, watch the video

Resolving Odour Issues

It can be tempting to try and cover odours with fragrances or masking products, but in time these make the air staler and more unpleasant, in some instances even causing health issues with asthma or allergies. Fragrances are not addressing the cause of the problem, bacteria remains in the air and odours will persist.

Correct staffing levels are essential in helping residents with good personal hygiene and assisting them when in difficulty or extra assistance is required.

Maintaining a strict cleaning regime is key in any care environment, foul odours are associated with poor management because insufficient cleaning can be a reason for odours. However, overuse of certain cleaning products can add to the overall contamination in the air, leaving complaints of “stale air”.

Improve the air quality; in a traditional domestic situation you may open a window to let odorous air out and fresh air in, but this is not practical in many care homes and can be especially unpopular over the colder months. Improved ventilation systems can assist but are often not getting to the source of odours, furthermore in many instances this is not practical or cost effective solution.

AIRsteril products target odours and bacteria, with a wide array of product testing to ensure fresh clean air around the clock, guaranteeing that everyone stepping through the door gets the best first impression, enhancing your reputation and the value of every bed.

The range of AIRsteril solutions available means odours can be eradicated from a single room (such as a bedroom), from important areas such as receptions and lounges or an entire home. No obligation site surveys are available to ensure the correct solution, with the option to try products before any commitment.